It was a double-header for jobs numbers Friday, and the bond market was on the edge of its seat, hoping for signs of a downshifting economy. What we got were two semi-promising reports but with more gaps than a teenager's text message. Of course, the compass for rate

First National, a top 5 player in the broker market, recently put a new spin on its rental property underwriting guidelines, adding a touch more flexibility. In a time when so many investors have gone into hibernation, however, the move may seem curious to some. Intrigued by this shift, we

BMO's highly anticipated re-entry into the broker market is more than just a headline – it's a robust "vote of confidence in the broker channel" declared BMO Capital Markets analyst Étienne Ricard today. On First National's conference call today, Ricard questioned CEO Jason

American politicians didn't take budget stewardship seriously enough. This is what happens. A second Big 3 credit rating agency, Fitch, has chopped U.S. sovereign debt to AA+ from AAA. The firm cites runaway deficits and "expected fiscal deterioration over the next three years" as reasons.